Semmes' Brigade reached the Western suburbs of Sharpsburg at sunrise of the 17th and halted until nearly 9 a.m. when it advanced across the fields, in support of Stuart's Cavalry, north and west of Hauser's House. In the general advance of McLaws' Division it was on the left of the line, and encountered the enemy in the northern part of the West Woods, forcing them to retire beyond the Nicodemus House.

Near this point its advance was checked by the Federal artillery east of the Hagerstown Road. After severe losses it was withdrawn and placed as a reserve to Barksdale's Brigade, in the western edge of the West Woods, where it remained until the night of the 18th when it recrossed the Potomac.

is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Hagerstown Pike (State Highway 65), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America.

Semmes' Brigade advanced north out of the West Woods in the process of driving out Sedgwick's Division. The advance carried the Brigade as far as the D.R. Miller farm before running into fire from the massed artillery on the north side of the cornfield.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on March 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 611 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.